Mineral Processing Stages: Crushing, Grinding, and Sizing

 Mineral processing is a metallurgical procedure to extract valuable minerals from impurities containing ores to form marketable, concentrated products. It is a common practice in the mining industry to ensure you gain high-quality minerals suitable for numerous applications. 

The process is challenging and involves various stages like grinding, sizing, crushing, etc. This post will detail the different stages of mineral processing.

Have a quick read!

Stages of Mineral Processing

The prime agenda of mineral processing is to break down the heterogeneous properties of the ore and convert it into a homogenous, marketable product. For this, the mineral undergoes the following stages of processing, such as:

Read Also :- What Is The Process Of Calcium Carbonate Beneficiation?


1. Grinding and Crushing

Grinding and crushing together are known as comminution. It is the procedure of reducing the particle size of big rocks to get further processed.

This technique is useful for processing ores that are discrete in nature, like gold and diamonds. They require little crushing, which is done using various equipment like jaw crushers with wide openings. 

2. Classification and Sizing

The minerals are separated from ores under the process of classification and sizing. The ores are classified based on their sizes. Fine particle size routes to distinct stages of the mining than coarser substances.

The minerals are run through special screens or sieves of national and international standards. Minerals smaller than 50 micrometers are segregated using different optical measurement techniques that use laser or light beams of distinct frequencies. 

Read Also :- Top 5 Advantages of Bauxite Beneficiation


3. Concentration

It is the process of breaking down minerals to achieve a desired concentration or ore. The various techniques involved in concentration are:

·   Automated Sorting employs optical sensors for separating rock into relevant categories. The process is done using sensing parameters.

·   Electrostatic Separation – This technique beneficiates minerals using electric currents. Various charges run through the substances, which separate the gangue from profitable minerals.

·   Gravity Separation – In this technique, the ores are separated using gravitational force combined with buoyant, magnetic, and centrifugal forces.

·   Froth Floatation – In this method, a chemical collector is used for forming bubbles on the surface of hydrophobic substances. The bubbles gather at the froth, and activators are used for floating the minerals.

·   Magnetic Separation – It is the process of utilizing electromagnets to extract minerals using a conveyor belt. It is practiced with or without water.

 

4. Dewatering

The final stage of mineral processing is dewatering. It removes the water content of the mineral to eliminate gangue and gain the desired concentrate levels of high-quality produce. 

Mineral processing is useful for extracting a range of materials, including metals, rocks, and industrial ores. The process is considered profitable when you can remove a high content of impurities from the ore. This practice helps to yield a maximum volume of concentrate before the product is marketable or used for various applications. For such reasons, selecting the best quality mineral processing equipment that can offer you efficient outcomes is essential. 

Read Also :- Exploring Different Methods of Iron Ore Beneficiation

Steqtech offers commercial-grade mineral processing equipment that enhances the output quality and lets you beneficiate all kinds of materials hassle-free and cost-effectively. Feel free to connect with us to learn more about mineral processing benefits, applications, and equipment.

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